Katy Smith Birthday (May 1st)

Katy Smith Biography

Katy Smith was a popular American singer also known for her appearances on radio and television.

Katy Smith Background Information:

Kate Smith was born on May1, 1907 in Greenville, Virginia. Her birth name is Kathryn Elizabeth Smith. She showed keen interest in singing and dancing form a very early age. She was a Roman Catholic by faith. She remained a spinster all her life. Before she got into showbiz, she performed in local theatres and nightclubs. She died of diabetes in Raleigh, North Carolina at the age of 79.

Katy Smith Musical Career:

In 1926, a New York City show producer cast Katy Smith in Broadway shows like “Honeymoon Lane”, “Hit the Deck” and “Flying High”. She got her big break as a singer in 1930 after being discovered by the vice president of Columbia Records, Ted Collins. With his help, she was able to showcase her talent through the radio.She radio career was a phenomenal success and spanned over a record length of time.

She played a small part in “The Big Broadcast” by Paramount Pictures. In 1932, she went to produce and act in her own film, “Hello Everybody!” Katy Smith autobiography, “Living in a Great Big Way” released in 1938. She performed at many live concerts and clubs during the last decade of her career.

Katy Smith Radio Career:

As a star on the radio, Katy Smith hosted and featured in the following shows on-air:

Kate Smith Sings – an NBC series

Kate Smith and Her Swanee Music (1931-33),

The Kate Smith Matinee (1934–35);

The Kate Smith New Star Revue (1934–35);

Kate Smith's Coffee Time (1935–36)

The Kate Smith A&P Bandwagon (1936–37).

The Kate Smith Hour (1937–45).

Katy Smith Hit Singles:

Here is a list of her popular, chart-topping singles:

“God Bless America” for Irving Berlin’s “This is the Army” (1943).

When the Moon comes Over the Mountain (her theme song)

River, Stay 'Way from My Door (1931)

The Woodpecker Song (1940)

The White Cliffs of Dover (1941)

I Don't Want to Walk Without You (1942)

There Goes That Song Again (1944)

Seems Like Old Times (1946)

Now Is the Hour (1947).

During 1950-1960, Katy Smith produced many hit musical albums among which are:

Kate Smith at Carnegie Hall (1963)

How Great Thou Art (1965)

America’s Favorites: Kate Smith/Arthur Fiedler/Boston Pops (1967).

Katy Smith Awards and Honors:

On October 8, 1987, Katy Smith statue was installed outside the Spectrum in Philadelphia because she was considered a “good luck charm” for the Philadelphia Flyers.

In 1982, She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan.